LAKELAND, Fla. — #2/#2 Florida Southern women's lacrosse (16-1) secured a 9–5 victory over #8/#9 Embry-Riddle (12-5) on Thursday at Berend Field to advance to the Sunshine State Conference Championship on Sunday. Florida Southern's defense forced 19 turnovers, contributing to the win.
Jenna Vetter led the scoring for Florida Southern, netting three goals on eight shots, including the game-winning goal.
Riley Rivera contributed significantly to the offense with a goal and two assists, maintaining pressure on the opposition.
Lindsey Tolliver was efficient, scoring twice on two shots, adding depth to the team's attack.
Audrey Cannelli was active defensively, collecting four ground balls and causing two turnovers, while
Natasha Newport caused four turnovers and picked up two ground balls.
The first quarter started with Embry-Riddle taking an early lead. Callison Foreman capitalized on a player-up opportunity to score the first goal at 12:14, assisted by RJ Ensor. Ava Rogala extended Embry-Riddle's lead with a goal at 10:46, assisted by Eliana Enners. Florida Southern responded with Tolliver scoring twice, first unassisted at 7:17 and then with an assist from Rivera at 5:03, tying the game at 2-2. Vetter gave the Moccasins their first lead with a free position goal at 3:43, and Rivera extended the lead with a goal assisted by
Hanna Watson at 2:07, ending the quarter 4-2 in favor of Florida Southern.
Embry-Riddle surged in the second quarter, netting three unanswered goals to take the lead. Aubrey Schmidt opened the scoring with a free position goal at 7:33, marking her 19th of the season. Jordan Davis followed with another free position goal at 2:01, bringing her season total to 25. Ensor secured the quarter's final goal with 16 seconds remaining, pushing Embry-Riddle ahead 5-4. Florida Southern was unable to find the net despite multiple shooting opportunities, including a post hit by Watson. The quarter ended with the Eagles holding a 5-4 advantage.
In the third quarter, the Moccasins took control with a defensive display, forcing multiple turnovers and capitalizing on their opportunities. Watson broke the deadlock at 9:42 with her 21st goal of the season, following a successful clear and ground ball pickup by
Isabelle Lucas. Shortly after, Watson assisted Vetter for a goal at the 9:01 mark, extending the lead to 6-5. Florida Southern's defense continued to stifle Embry-Riddle, with Newport and other teammates causing key turnovers. Despite a timeout by Embry-Riddle and several attempts, including a shot that hit the post by Davis, they were unable to score, allowing Florida Southern to maintain its lead going into the final quarter.
In the final period, Florida Southern secured a decisive victory over Embry-Riddle with a series of strategic plays.
Kolby Cohen scored early, marking her 16th goal of the season at 14:44, and also gained control of the ensuing draw.
Kelsey Bennett extended the lead with her 17th goal, assisted by
Grace Curtin at 12:28. Vetter capped off the scoring for Florida Southern with a goal at 2:12, assisted by Rivera, bringing her season total to 54.
Rebekah Bargeron made critical saves down the stretch, including one against Ashley Albert with just 15 seconds remaining, holding the Mocs' defense strong until the final whistle. Florida Southern held the Eagles scoreless in the second half, repeating their second-half shutout over the Eagles in the regular season.
Florida Southern will host the No. 3 seed Tampa in the SSC Championship game on Sunday, April 26th at 1:00 PM on Berend Field.
